Work in UK, live in Europe

[Pip in a Poke]

Anyone ever looked into this?

I have to say it's very tempting when I look at even what the meagre collateral from my house sale will buy me in, say, Brittany.

I'm talking France/Spain here so I'd expect to have to work in another country - UK or otherwise, but I could get lucky.

What's more, with no mortgage to service I could just do anything out there once I have a grip of the language e.g. run a bar or whatever.

Just think - I'd be poor but I'd be living in a beautiful home in surely the most civilised place in their world (France) and would be out of this rotten rat race.

I'm afraid to say, I wouldn't miss the UK one little bit.

[northernladuk]

That's not going to work very well for a contractor unless you are happy to wait for a 100% or so WFH gig.

[Pip in a Poke]

That's not going to work very well for a contractor unless you are happy to wait for a 100% or so WFH gig.

So long as I can fly in and out every week I don't see why it would really make much difference.

It would be some time down the line when I'd want to be 100 % home based and, as I said, I'd be looking at doing something else then anyway.

[VectraMan]

That's not going to work very well for a contractor unless you are happy to wait for a 100% or so WFH gig.

Plenty of people stay away during the week; no different really. Depending where you live and where you're working it could be quicker and cheaper to fly in from a nearby European airport than get the train to London. I used to work with one such contractor.

[Fronttoback]

If you cannot speak the local lingo fluently, expect to be socialising in British expat communities. You need to speak the local language to fully integrate. And anything else is subpar. I advise joining an expensive club to find local winners and hang out there.

[WTFH]

I've done a few contracts where the ClientCo office is in Europe, and am currently working with another contractor who lives in Europe but commutes to the UK when he needs to. It's all about finding clients who are happy for you to WFH most of the time.

[Pip in a Poke]

If you cannot speak the local lingo fluently, expect to be socialising in British expat communities. You need to speak the local language to fully integrate. And anything else is subpar. I advise joining an expensive club to find local winners and hang out there.

No. I'll be avoiding that scene like the plague.

My language skills are fine. Would just take a couple of months to get back up to speed.

[Fronttoback]

No. I'll be avoiding that scene like the plague.

My language skills are fine. Would just take a couple of months to get back up to speed.

Sounds like a plan then! It's a big move to start again in your 40s- don't underestimate the importance of good friends. Takes a long time to make those friendships even "back home".

[scooterscot]

For the past 5-years I've not traveled more than 2 months of the year. The remainder home-based. Currently one UK client, one German, one Swiss. I travel to clients as and when needed.

I say go for it. You need to be established the one calling the shots. Without a mortgage you're already in a good position.

Since doing this my health has changed for the better and I'm not someone who exercises that much if I'm honest. No waking up in darkness but when light comes, spending time with children at random intervals, taking days off etc.

Nothing ventured nothing gained.

PS: regarding expats, we meet expats from all over the world. It's one thing to integrate (which we do) but there's a wealth of opportunity to meet people from a much larger community.

PSS: You've got a French passport? (Brexit regarding) lucky you.

[vetran]

Doing your bit for the French population?

British population set to overtake France within 13 years due to immigration | Daily Mail Online

Population of Britain is set to overtake France within 13 years: Impact of high immigration will make the UK the most populous European country by 2050
Eurostat predict UK population in 2030 will be 70,4m - and 77.1m by 2050
German population set to continue to fall despite high immigration levels
UK already has the highest population density in Europe, ahead of Holland
Predictions do not take in to account the political impact of Brexit

Oh Dear